Good Farming

Sustainability

Sustainable farming means growing food in harmony with nature so that our farm will be able to provide enough food and work opportunities for future generations to come – without compromising quality or adding to the cost.

Healthy soil is better able to retain water, so it needs less irrigation and water use is reduced. It also needs fewer chemical interventions, which means we only use synthetic fertilisers or herbicides when needed.
Fewer chemicals mean less chemical run-off, which, along with less soil erosion and loss of top soil, helps maintain water quality and biodiversity. We also use integrated pest management principles in order to reduce reliance on chemical pesticides and herbicides and encourage biodiversity – this is done in the form of ducks!

The ducks on our farm are used to control slugs and snails – as we are all aware these are a significant pest in fruit production! They are part of our team and every morning jump on the back of the trailer where they are taken out to the orchard to do their days work. At 6pm they ‘clock out’ with the rest of the team and head home to their cosy shed where they lay some lovely organic duck eggs for our farmstall!

To be a sustainable farmer requires commitment and time, below are our accreditations to proof that we are committed to this cause:
- Farming for the Future – 98% rating 2013
- Global Gap – Gold rating 2013
- HACCP and BRC – Gold rating 2013
- Leaf Accreditation
- Field to Fork Accreditation